Dear Parent / Carer,
I hope that this letter finds you safe and that you have all had a happy Christmas.
As you will be aware Covid cases are rising and there have been new national rules introduced on 2nd January to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
We need to keep our school community safe and will be implementing the rules on mask wearing in communal spaces, corridors, and classrooms.
If your child is exempt please record this is their planner; otherwise please ensure your child brings a mask to school and understands that they will have to wear it.
These measures are temporary and will be reviewed by government on 26th January.
Before students and staff return we are asking that they take a LFT at home on the Sunday 9th January and only to return to school if this test is negative.
All students will be offered an onsite test before they return to school.
To facilitate this, there will be a staggered start to next term:
10th January – Year 11 / 12 / 13 will be tested and begin lessons in school.
11th January – Years 7/ 8 will be tested and begin lessons in school. Years 11/12/13 will be in school / college accessing lessons because they will have already been tested.
12th January – Years 9/10 will be tested and begin lessons in school. All students will be in school / college accessing lessons as normal.
From Monday 10th work for students (who have not yet returned) will be on TEAMS. If you need any support with TEAMs please, check this help page https://ems.bhcet.org.uk/microsoft-teams-school-email/ or contact the school office, or email Mr Hope shope@ems.bhcet.org.uk who will be able to help.
Details and the time your child needs to attend school on their allocated return date can be found after this letter.
As a reminder, up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but we would encourage everyone to take it.
Consent given for previous testing at the school is still valid for the testing in January, however, if parents/ students over 16 haven’t previously completed the form or they wish to now withdraw consent to complete the form by Friday 7th January.
This is the link to the form:
https://forms.office.com/r/zRAGmJ0Byz
Our privacy policy can be viewed here:
https://bhcet.org.uk/information/general-data-protection-regulation/
If you wish to discuss any aspect of the new rules or need any support during these challenging times please contact the school office or your child’s Pastoral Leader
Yours faithfully
Mrs Crawshaw
Headteacher
Details of return to school January 2022
| Testing Schedule Monday 10th January 2022 | |
| Class | Time Allocation |
| Year 11 arrive in school | 08:45am |
| Y13 arrive | 11:25am |
| Y12 arrive | 12:20pm |
| FINISH | 3:00pm |
On Monday 10th January, Year 11 should arrive for 8:45am and go straight to period 1. Year 13 should arrive at 11:25am, and Year 12 should arrive at 12:20. Both Year 12 and 13 should go straight to the Sixth Form Study Area. Normal lunch service will be available.
| Testing Schedule Tuesday 11th January 2022 | |
| Class | Time Allocation |
| Year 7 arrive in school | 08:45am |
| Year 8 arrive in school | 12:55pm |
| FINISH | 3:00pm |
On Tuesday 11th January, Year 7 should arrive for 8:45am and go straight to period 1. Year 7 will follow a normal timetable (including break and lunch) . Y8 should arrive for 12:55pm and go straight to period 4. There will be no food facilities available for those arriving in the afternoon, so please ensure your child has eaten prior to their arrival.
| Testing Schedule Wednesday 12th January 2022 | |
| Class | Time Allocation |
| Year 10 arrive in school | 08:45am |
| Year 9 arrive in school | 12:55pm |
| FINISH | 3:00pm |
On Wednesday 12th January, Year 10 should arrive for 8:45am and go straight to period 1. Year 10 will follow a normal timetable (including break and lunch). Year 9 should arrive for 12:55pm and go straight to period 4. There will be no food facilities available for those arriving in the afternoon, so please ensure your child has eaten prior to their arrival.